Patriotism

Join us to watch the Croatia vs. Ghana World Cup game. Game starts at 5 PM. It's likely the Panama vs. England game will also be on some of the TVs. Parking: at the restaurant or at 2843 Hartland Rd, Falls Church, VA 22043 (after 5 pm daily). Menu: https://www.openroadgrill.com/location/merrifield/#menus/

RSVP Now at - https://fifawatchpartyDC.eventbrite.com/?aff=FB The stakes couldn't be higher. Join fellow football fans as Ghana's Black Stars take on Croatia in their final group-stage match of the FIFA World Cup 2026. With knockout-round hopes on the line, every moment matters. Experience the excitement alongside the African Diaspora and football fans from across the DMV in an energetic atmosphere built around community, culture, and the beautiful game. Hosted at Lagos District, one of DC's newest African dining and lounge destinations, this is more than a watch party—it's a chance to come together, represent, and cheer on Ghana when it matters most. Wear your colors. Bring your flags. Let's rally behind the Black Stars. Kickoff: 5:00 PM ET Saturday, June 27, 2026 🌍 The Full Experience This is more than a screening. It’s a cultural moment. Enjoy delicious African cuisine, African-inspired cocktails, and curated African music—all within a space built for community, connection, and celebration. Come early, wear your team colors, bring your people, and be part of an experience that goes beyond the pitch. This is more than a watch party. It’s pride. It’s unity. It’s Africa on display.

#### Saturday, June 27, 2026 ##### River Mill Park, 458 Mill Street, Occoquan, VA ###### ​ ###### Park Opens: 6:00pm ###### Concert Starts: 7:00pm ###### ​ ###### FREE ADMISSION ​​ Join us for an unforgettable evening at Sounds of Summer featuring the 257th U.S. Army Band! Celebrate the spirit of community and country with patriotic kids’ crafts, classic yard games, and inspiring live music that honors our nation’s heritage. ​ Order from local Occoquan eateries for pick up on your way to the park, or delivery from select restaurants. Drinks and snacks will be available for sale at the Snack Stand, by local nonprofit Visit Occoquan. ​ Bring your blankets and lawn chairs, settle in under the summer sky, and enjoy a heartfelt evening of music, family fun, and patriotic pride as we come together as a community! The 257th Army Band, “The Band of the Nation’s Capital,” is the official musical ambassador for the D.C. Army National Guard. The band boasts a proud lineage going back to the organizational lineage and association with the legendary Corcoran Cadets, the D.C. militia that inspired John Philip Sousa to compose his march of the same name. Noteworthy performances include musical support for the Inauguration of President Obama, performances in Greece, Jamaica, the U.S. Virgin Islands and Panama, consecutive appearances at the Great American Brass Band Festival and concert tours throughout New England, Texas and the Mid-Atlantic. Although centrally located among the finest military bands in the world, The 257th Army Band is officially recognized as “The Band of the Nation’s Capital”. ​ ​ ###### TICKETS This is a FREE event and no tickets are required. ​ ###### PARKING FREE parking is available on historic town streets and parking lots nearby. ​ ###### FOOD & DRINK An on-site Snack Stand will be run by nonprofit Visit Occoquan, selling a variety snacks, drinks, and fresh popcorn. #### PARK RULES These guidelines for River Mill Park help us keep a safe atmosphere for our visitors and staff: ​ ✓ Lawn & camping chairs, blankets, coolers ✓ Outside food & non-alcoholic beverages ✓ Well behaved dogs ​ ✘ No outside alcohol ✘ No glass bottles or containers ✘ No grills, fire pits, or flames ​ ###### WHAT TO BRING * Dress for the weather – this is an outdoor event * Bring chairs or blankets to sit on (small "pup tents" are permitted as long as they do not block the view of others) * Pack a picnic or bring your favorite snacks (but remember – no alcohol or glass containers are allowed)!

Come watch [Croatia vs. Ghana on](https://www.volosports.com/d/04824773-c21d-452e-aac1-b8a8b847c152) **[Saturday, June 27th at 5pm at Wunder Garten](https://www.volosports.com/d/04824773-c21d-452e-aac1-b8a8b847c152).** **What you can expect:** Great soccer and vibes 🍺 **2 Free Anheuser-Busch products** **Limited edition World Cup merchandise for giveaway and raffle** 🔥 Exclusive, soccer themed Volo Pass swag (Members Only, [sign up here](https://www.volosports.com/volo-pass)) Bring your friends, wear your Croatia or Ghana gear, and come ready to celebrate, cheer, and enjoy the game together! Note: General admission and entry to Wunder Garten is free, but the immersive Volo experience and perks are available only this registration.

Greetings from the capital! Every Saturday at 7:30 PM, people from all walks of life — students, diplomats, travelers, locals — gather to unwind and connect. [[Click this whatsapp groupchat link to join](https://chat.whatsapp.com/JFESzopY1OgJ5z4r3RINfL)] Our age range is mostly 20s to 30s. If you enjoy discussing culture, politics, travel, or just want to practice a new language, this group is for you. A perfect blend of diversity and dialogue, right in the heart of D.C.

**YES! YES!! YES!!!** **FREE HUGS on the National Mall are happening again!!** **"Spreading More Love"** Here are two videos of past FREE HUGS gatherings: [FREE HUGS October 2017. 32 sec.](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Jh7v3zucDas) [FREE HUGS Veterans Day 2016. 58 sec.](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ebTt9Q177zQ) **HEY EVERYONE!** Now that the Flu, COVID and RSV have subsided, we are **RESUMING OUR MONTHLY FREE HUGS GATHERINGS!!** FREE HUGS gatherings generate so much excitement, joy, appreciation, connection, peace, love, smiles, “Thank you’s,” lots of laughter and such positive energy!! Our FREE HUGS movement is all about "Spreading More Love" regardless of political, religious, racial or gender identification or any other identification. **!! IMPORTANT !!** We meet OUTSIDE of the National Museum of Natural History on the NATIONAL MALL SIDE OF THE MUSEUM near the Refreshment stand. ADDRESS: 1306 Madison Dr. NW · Washington, DC **PARKING:** On the street parking OR [Nearest Parking](https://washingtondc.bestparking.com/destinations/national-mall-parking) **METRO:** Smithsonian National Mall Metro Station (NOT Independence Ave.) **We hope you will join us for an AWESOME time!** **Lots of Hugs...jeff** 301-885-8259 (c) \*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\* Note 1: if you agree to participate in any FREE HUGS Event, you agree to the following terms: By choosing to attend this event, you are acknowledging the risks involved (COVID, etc.), and you are committing to participate nonviolently and in accordance with the law. You agree: (i) not to engage in any act of violence or violation of any applicable law (ii) to obey the orders of authorized event marshals and law enforcement authorities (iii) that any Meetup group will not be responsible to any injury or damage to your person or property resulting from or occurring in the course of your participating in the Event; and iv) to release and forever hold harmless Jeff Maurer, Meetup group and their respective employees and volunteers from liability for any such injury or damage. Note 2: FREE HUGS gatherings are 1. NOT for advertising our businesses; 2. NOT about promoting political or religious or racial or gender issues or any other issues.

Join Open Eyes VA and Fractal Path for brunch, community, and conversation on psychedelic integration and harm reduction. ☀️ Brunch & Integration Hour Join us for a relaxed morning of conversation, connection, and community as we gather to explore psychedelic integration, harm reduction, and the lessons that continue unfolding long after an experience ends. Whether you’re experienced, curious, or simply looking for thoughtful community, you’re welcome here. 📅 Sunday, June 28 🕥 10:30 AM 📍 Zen Press Cafe & Juice Bar 806 King St, Alexandria, VA Hosted by @openeyesva and @thefractalpath Come grab a juice, meet like-minded people, and participate in an open community discussion on making meaning from psychedelic experiences.

Come watch [Algeria take on Austria on Saturday](https://www.volosports.com/d/09a51458-55f9-45e1-8119-ad2a40c92cef)**[, June 27th at 10pm at Wunder Garten](https://www.volosports.com/d/09a51458-55f9-45e1-8119-ad2a40c92cef).** **What you can expect:** Great soccer and vibes 🍺 **2 Free Anheuser-Busch products** **Limited edition World Cup merchandise for giveaway and raffle** 🔥 Exclusive, soccer themed Volo Pass swag (Members Only, [sign up here](https://www.volosports.com/volo-pass)) Bring your friends, wear your Algeria or Austria gear, and come ready to celebrate, cheer, and enjoy the game together! Note: General admission and entry to Wunder Garten is free, but the immersive Volo experience and perks are available only this registration.

Come watch [Panama vs. England on](https://www.volosports.com/d/e7fc2064-43fb-4e85-ae03-d58e7bee7b37) **[Saturday, June 27th at 5pm at Wunder Garten](https://www.volosports.com/d/e7fc2064-43fb-4e85-ae03-d58e7bee7b37).** **What you can expect:** Great soccer and vibes 🍺 **2 Free Anheuser-Busch products** **Limited edition World Cup merchandise for giveaway and raffle** 🔥 Exclusive, soccer themed Volo Pass swag (Members Only, [sign up here](https://www.volosports.com/volo-pass)) Bring your friends, wear your Panama or England gear, and come ready to celebrate, cheer, and enjoy the game together! Note: General admission and entry to Wunder Garten is free, but the immersive Volo experience and perks are available only this registration.

Come watch [Uruguay vs. Spain on](https://www.volosports.com/d/5795107a-51c2-4855-9353-5720d90d9267) **[Friday, June 26th at 8pm at Wunder Garten](https://www.volosports.com/d/5795107a-51c2-4855-9353-5720d90d9267).** **What you can expect:** Great soccer and vibes 🍺 **2 Free Anheuser-Busch products** **Limited edition World Cup merchandise for giveaway and raffle** 🔥 Exclusive, soccer themed Volo Pass swag (Members Only, [sign up here](https://www.volosports.com/volo-pass)) Bring your friends, wear your Uruguay or Spain gear, and come ready to celebrate, cheer, and enjoy the game together! Note: General admission and entry to Wunder Garten is free, but the immersive Volo experience and perks are available only this registration.

Come watch [Cape Verde vs. Saudi Arabia on](https://www.volosports.com/d/48887dea-1122-479a-9dc7-41d6cef7adef) **[Friday, June 26th at 8pm at Wunder Garten](https://www.volosports.com/d/48887dea-1122-479a-9dc7-41d6cef7adef).** **What you can expect:** Great soccer and vibes 🍺 **2 Free Anheuser-Busch products** **Limited edition World Cup merchandise for giveaway and raffle** 🔥 Exclusive, soccer themed Volo Pass swag (Members Only, [sign up here](https://www.volosports.com/volo-pass)) Bring your friends, wear your Cape Verde or Saudi Arabia gear, and come ready to celebrate, cheer, and enjoy the game together! Note: General admission and entry to Wunder Garten is free, but the immersive Volo experience and perks are available only this registration.

Come watch [Colombia vs. Portugal on](https://www.volosports.com/d/27762981-4bea-4ce7-b5d0-aa55d7784997) **[Saturday, June 27th at 7:30pm at Wunder Garten](https://www.volosports.com/d/27762981-4bea-4ce7-b5d0-aa55d7784997).** **What you can expect:** Great soccer and vibes 🍺 **2 Free Anheuser-Busch products** **Limited edition World Cup merchandise for giveaway and raffle** 🔥 Exclusive, soccer themed Volo Pass swag (Members Only, [sign up here](https://www.volosports.com/volo-pass)) Bring your friends, wear your Colombia or Portugal gear, and come ready to celebrate, cheer, and enjoy the game together! Note: General admission and entry to Wunder Garten is free, but the immersive Volo experience and perks are available only this registration.

Some trained COUNT volunteers work together once a month at RMH (http://www.rmhc-centralohio.org/volunteer.php) as Housewarmers (usually on the 1st Sunday from 1 – 5 PM). Some schedule other shifts at their convenience. You may try this out with less fuss by following a "Fast track" or go through the normal process. Fast track • Arrange a time to shadow a COUNT volunteer. Call Dave Nohle at 614-268-9558 (cell). • Show up and try it out. • Complete application, etc. later. Normal process • Complete an online application (http://rmhc-centralohio.org/volunteer/). • Attend orientation in advance. • At orientation you will complete forms agreeing to keep family/patient info private and allowing a background check and tour the facility. • Complete one training shift. Daily shifts are: morning 9 AM - 1 PM, afternoon 1 - 5 PM and evening 5 - 9 PM. • Schedule shifts online using the on the RMH scheduling system (http://www.volgistics.com/ex/portal.dll/?FROM=32895). The Ronald McDonald House (RMH) provides housing and meals for families with sick children. The Columbus RMH is the largest in the world with 137 rooms. COUNT has been volunteering there since May 2014. Housewarmers work with RMH guests to provide a home-like environment - greet, assist with family needs, answer phones, give tours, assist with checkin/checkout, prepare guest rooms after checkout, clean facility, laundry, restock supplies and staff the front desk. RMH Housewarmers volunteer at least one four-hour shift a month. All Housewarmers must complete an application and agree to a background check before they can be full fledged volunteers.

***July is National Picnic Month*** (along with National Hot Dog/Baked Beans/Ice Cream Month)! So let's do it up by joining a giant PICNIC celebrating America's 250th Birthday! Join us at Wyandotte Winery for an **America 250–Ohio Homecoming Picnic as we celebrate the 250th anniversary of the United States in true Ohio style!** Throughout July 2026, communities across Ohio are gathering for food, fun, and friendship to honor our nation’s history and reflect on the contributions of Ohioans over the past 250 years. Our picnic will feature a relaxed atmosphere with food, live music (starts at 5pm), and opportunities to connect with friends. ***BRING***: ***Guests are encouraged to bring picnic blankets and lawn chairs*** and enjoy an afternoon of community celebration. ***FREE EVENT OPEN TO THE PUBLIC***: Food and beverages will be available for purchase from the shop and food trucks. ***PARKING***: limited near the wine shop. Most park one block away in the church parking lot. [Wyandotte Winery](https://www.wyandottewinery.com/) has been part of the Central Ohio community since 1977, and we are proud to host this gathering during our 50th year of operation as a local place for connection and hospitality.

*The streets of Columbus are going French this July!* The **[Chouette Bastille Day Festival](https://www.chouetterestaurant.com/)** returns to N. High Street this summer for an afternoon of live French jazz, traditional French cuisine, and premium cocktails, wines, and craft beers from our DORA bar. Free cover, festive, and entirely French.⁠ **⁠When:** Sunday, July 12th, 12PM to 4 PM - we'll meet about 2pm. **Parking**: Metropolis Parking garage, one block west. Metropolis Parking lot, one block east. **Note**: Feel free to come by early and grab a sit down lunch at one of the great restaurants nearby, if you like. Once the fest begins, eats n drinks purchased are walkabout, round tables, or lean in high tops. *You just may find me at a barstool at Hank's ;)*